"If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead."
~ Carl von Clausewitz.

Friday, March 8, 2013

33% reservation. 1 day in the
year. When God proposed the creation of women, probably this was the best deal
he offered them. And it would be injustice to deny them adulation on their
special day. So here’s a tribute to the special ones in my life.

“…the designation of a wife in India, of the
Hindu wife, is higher and grander than that of an Empress. She is called Devi” ―
Virchand Raghavji Gandhi

Marriage is a convenient
compromise for men. We continue to expect our laundry cleaned and ironed, hot
meals served at the table (apart from the occasional breakfast in bed) and the
remote control resting in our palm. Probably this is my one opportunity to
thank my lovely wife, Sneha for bearing with me on all of the above.

We do have our occasional
disagreements, but it helps our bond grow stronger as a husband and wife. Sneha
has been an integral part of my life over the last 4 years, and a pillar of support.
On the outside, our personalities are like chalk and cheese. But as a pair, we
share all the love, happiness and romance in each other's company and feel
contented with this relationship. We're perfect for each other and I always
know and trust that one person loves me above everything else. To the central
woman in my life, I love you.

“But there's a story behind everything. How a
picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are
simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your
stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin.” - Mitch
Albom

My mother is one of the nicest
people I’ve met in my life. Perhaps all mothers are like that. Their whole life
is about everyone else, barring themselves.

Sometimes I try to put myself in
her shoes, and think from her perspective. At 18, she was a trained classical
dancer and wanted to make a career out of it. Eventually it remained a dream,
and she has spent the major part of the last three decades taking care of her
family and the house. And I have always considered myself as one of those lucky
children of my generation who had the good fortune of a mother who stayed at
home and took good care of us.

My mother will forever remain in
my life as an embodiment of strength and sacrifice. I have no foresight on
where my future lies, but my responsibilities as a son will be fulfilled till
the end. If there’s one wish in my life, it’s to be born again as your son.

“When every door closes, a window is bound to
open.”

When I think
of characters in fairy tales, they all seem to be so distant and unrelated.
Except one, the fairy godmother in Cinderella. Because I have always put a face
to it, of someone I know and revere.

Friend, Guide, Idol – Padma has
been that and more over the last 7 years of my life. She has played an
important part in molding my professional life emphasizing on the importance of
ethics and values. On the personal front, she has always lent an ear to my
troubles, providing solutions to most problems. In today’s corporate world, where
greed and ambition have superseded humanitarian values, Padma is an angel. My
fairy godmother.

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh?" he whispered.

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking
Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be sure of you.”

I have had
my share of friends over the last 28 years. But if I had to choose one for whom
I would take a bullet, it would be a daunting task. Yet, even when I write
this, only one person comes to my mind. A person who has been there for a long
time now and still hasn’t left my side.

I’ve known
Sangi since she was 2, and we’ve been close buddies since then. The best part
of our friendship is the fact that we have never had a fight, absolutely none (at
least none that I can recall). And I do know that through the years, I’ve
teased, tortured and tested her patience to the hilt, and still got away with
it.

As a friend, Sangeetha (rather Doctor Sangeetha) always understood my life and we didn't have to go through the routine of providing excuses or explanations. Apart from the fact that she never missed a call (even
at 4 am), and always had the patience to hear me out. But over the years, there
have been times when I feel that I never appreciated her enough.

So here
goes. For as long as I’ve known you, you have been my best buddy and one of the
best women that I’ve ever known.

“You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.”

There are
many others who have played their part in my life. Cameos that have touched and
transformed my life for the better. But, above all of them stand these four
women.

It’s true, and about time that we
acknowledge it, Behind every successful man,
there are many women.

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About Me

"There is a legend about a bird that sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree and does not rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it impales itself upon the longest, sharpest spine. Dying, it rises above its own agony to out-carol the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song, existence the price. But the whole world stills to listen, and God in His heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the cost of the great pain. … Or so says the legend." ~ Colleen McCullough